Modular track switch adjustment bar

ABSTRACT

The invention refers to an adjustment bar for modular track switch, according to this invention, it consists of an elongated bar body, transversally placed underneath the track switch points, which comprises two fixation elements on specific areas to be fixed, through fixation means, to the inner section of the plate of every track switch point, in order to maintain a constant separation of such pair of points, within a track switch assembly. Such elongated bar body must include, at least on one end, some boreholes for the insertion of fixation means to fix such end of the adjustment bar to an actuation bar, connected to a switch shaft to allow the mechanical activation to pull or push such actuation bar to move the points.

This application claims the benefit of Mexican application number: MX/a/2015/013857 filed on Sep. 30, 2015. The content of this document and the entire disclosure of publications, patents, and patent documents mentioned herein are incorporated by reference.

INVENTION FIELD

The innovation herein is associated to the rail industry in general. It is particularly related to railroad switch points and, specifically, it refers to a modular track switch adjustment bar.

INVENTION BACKGROUND

The railroad industry requires railroad switch points for tracks that allow the trains to deviate from the track path, which are located at the beginning of the railway line.

A switch stand is a railroad line device that allows the trains to change from one track to the other. The switch points are the structure on the track used to switch the train wheels from one track to the other.

The switch point can be right or left, according to its location in relation to a guard rail located between the switch points and facing the crossing. It consists of points (movable rails) supported on the opposite point (fixed rail), on the flat, vertical face of the point, suppressing a portion of the plate to allow the flexibility required to move and couple, and uncouple, the point on the fixed rail. In turn, the head of the point is mechanized to allow proper coupling.

The points have a sand-blasted head to fit the corresponding fixed rail, guide and support the train wheels. These points can be manufactured from normal rails or special rails for points. There are special points that have a sandblasted head to allow them to fit the corresponding fixed rail, guide and support the train wheels. These points can be manufactured from regular rails or specific rails for points. There are special thicker fishplates, which are specifically used to make longer and more robust points for an improved circulation speed.

From a technical perspective, a point is made from a single piece of the rail, which is molded to shape the point, its function is to redirect the train from the path it follows when entering the track switch. This point is fixed to the support rail with screws, through a connector block.

One of the issues of the track switch is that, as it is formed by connection elements, these are exclusively configured to perform movements and allow the railway switch, as they are not connection bars, they are not configured to allow a more accurate adjustment in its positions and position changes. This sometimes leads to an inappropriate adjustment of the elements within the railway switch, especially the points. This results in derailments which lead to significant operational, costs and delay issues.

Thus, an innovative adjustment bar for modular railway which has been developed in order to prevent the issues above and to provide safety, greater accuracy and adjustment of the railway switch components and a safe and optimal assembly.

Invention Objectives

This invention is mainly aimed at making an innovative adjustment bar for modular track switch available, which ensures an accurate, optimal and safe assembly and adjustment when making contact with the point and the support rail, preventing derailments.

Another objective of the invention is to make such adjustment bar for modular track switch available, which is also structurally simple, easily installed and counts on excellent operation qualities.

Another objective of the invention is to make such adjustment bar for modular track switch available, which also enables the deviation of the train path to the left, or right, on a straight track.

Another objective of the invention is to make such adjustment bar for modular track switch available, which is also resistant and does not require advanced technical knowledge to be operated by an operator.

Another objective of the invention is to make such adjustment bar for modular track switch available whose manufacture and sale is cost-effective.

Another objective of the invention is to make such adjustment bar for modular track switch available, which, thanks to its modular structure, allows preventive maintenance to ensure operation safety.

Another objective of the invention is to make such adjustment bar for modular track switch available, which also ensures a long lifespan of the point.

And all those qualities and objectives will be evident when developing a general and detailed description of this invention, supported by the modalities shown.

BRIEF INVENTION DESCRIPTION

In general, the adjustment bar for modular track switch, according to this invention, consists of an elongated bar body, transversally placed underneath the railway switch points, which comprises two fixation elements on specific areas to be fixed through fixation means inside the plate of every track switch point, in order to keep a constant clearance between such pair of points within a track switch assembly. Such elongated bar body must include, at least on one of the edges, some boreholes for the insertion of fixation means to fix the end of such adjustment bar to an actuation bar connected to a switch shaft for a mechanical activation to pull or push such actuation bar to move the points.

In the preferred modality of the invention, such elongated bar body that defines the adjustment bar for modular track switch is divided into two sections, interconnected through a connection element in the middle area, placed between the two points, incorporating length adjustment elements to adjust the length of such adjustment bar for modular track switch; thus, the clearance distance of such pair of points must be optimal.

In the preferred modality of the invention, a second tie rod, with the same features as the adjustment bar, is fixed to both railway switch points to maintain the proper clearance between both points and allow them to move simultaneously.

In order to better understand the features of the invention, the description includes pictures, of an illustrative but not restrictive nature, as a part thereof, which are shown below.

BRIEF PICTURE DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a the upper part of a pair of track switch points with the adjustment bar of this invention fixed to such points and a tie rod, identical to such adjustment bar, also fixed to such points.

FIG. 2 shows an upper view of a pair of track switch points with the adjustment bar of this invention fixed to such points and a tie rod, identical to such adjustment bar, also fixed to such points.

FIG. 3 shows a frontal view of a pair of track switch points with the adjustment bar of this invention fixed to such points and to an actuation bar connected to a switch shaft for railways.

To better understand this invention, a detailed description of some of the modalities thereof is found below, accompanied by pictures, of an illustrative but not restrictive nature, attached to this description.

DETAILED INVENTION DESCRIPTION

The characteristic details of the adjustment bar for modular track switch are clearly shown in the description below, and in the illustrative pictures attached, using the same reference items to indicate the same components.

Regarding FIGS. 1 to 3, the adjustment bar (1) for modular track switch consists of an elongated bar body (1 a) transversally placed underneath the switch points (2, 3) of the railway, which comprises two fixation elements (4, 5) in specific areas to be fixed through fixation means (not shown) to the inner part of the plate (6, 7) of every switch point (2, 3) of the railway, in order to maintain a constant clearance between such switch points (2, 3) within a track switch assembly. Such elongated bar body (1 a) must include, at least on one end, some boreholes (8) for the insertion of fixation means (9) to fix such end of the adjustment bar (1) to an actuation bar (10) connected to a switch shaft (11) to allow the mechanical activation to pull or push the switch points (2, 3) through such adjustment bar (1).

Such elongated bar body (1 a) that defines such adjustment bar (1) for modular track switch, is divided into two sections (x, y), which are interconnected through a connection element (12) in the middle area, placed between the two switch points (2, 3), which include length adjustment elements (13) to adjust the length of such adjustment bar (1) for modular track switch. Thus, the clearance distance of such pair of switch points (2, 3) must be optimal.

A second tie rod (14) with the same features as the adjustment bar is fixed to both track switch points to maintain the appropriate clearance between both switch points (2, 3), and allow these to move simultaneously.

FIG. 3 shows the support rails (15) on which the switch points act (2, 3); when connecting the adjustment bar (1) to the actuation bar (10), which is connected to the switch shaft (11) to allow the mechanical activation to push such actuation bar (10) to move the switch points (2, 3) through such adjustment bar (1).

The invention has been described enough for a person with average knowledge on the matter to be able to reproduce and obtain the results mentioned in this invention. Nevertheless, any person with skills in the technical field corresponding to the invention herein can be able to make adjustments, which are not mentioned in the request herein. Nevertheless, if the application of these modifications in a certain structure, or in the manufacturing process thereof, the matters claimed in the following claims are required, such structures must be included within the scope of the invention. 

1. An adjustment bar for modular track switch, formed by switch points, support rails, fixed rails and core, characterized by that adjustment bar for modular track switch consisting of an elongated bar body transversally placed underneath the switch points, which comprises two fixation elements on specific areas to be fixed through fixation means to the middle area of the plate of every switch point. Such elongated bar body must include, at least on one end, a borehole for the insertion of fixation means to fix the end of such adjustment bar to an actuation bar connected to a switch shaft for mechanical actuation to pull or push such actuation bar to move the switch points through such adjustment bar.
 2. The adjustment bar for modular track switch, according to claim 1, characterized by such adjustment bar for modular track switch being divided into two sections that are interconnected through a connection element placed between the two switch points, which include length adjustment elements to adjust the length of such adjustment bar. Thus, the clearance distance of such pair of points must be optimal.
 3. The adjustment bar for modular track switch, according to claim 1, characterized by a second tie rod, with the same characteristics as the adjustment bar, being fixed to both track switch points to maintain the proper clearance between both points and allow them to move simultaneously. 